VietNamNet Bridge – Over 30,000 tonnes of sulphur have been left in the open at Hoang Dieu Port in northern Hai Phong City for 20 days, causing concern over the risk of fire and environmental pollution.

Sulphur being stored in Hai Phong Port for over 20 days will be relocated by the end of this month.

The sulphur was contained in a simple package, with no one being assigned to guard it, despite the fact that it is a substance, which requires stringent supervision, Nguoi Lao Dong (The Labourer) newspaper reported.

Port workers, as well as those living near the port, have been suffering from an unbearable stench emanating from the piles of sulphur.

Pham Thi Hai, 53, who resides in Hai Phong City’s Ngo Quyen District, told the newspaper that she had to shut the door of her house all day due to the bad smell.

Tran Luong Phuong, Deputy Director of Hoang Dieu Port One-Member Limited Company under the Hai Phong Port, said the sulphur is being imported by Traco 1 Joint Stock Company to be re-exported to China.

Usually, these consignments are supposed to be stored at the port for 5 days or a maximum of 15 days, before being re-exported, he said.

However, due to heavy rains and flooding in the northern provinces, the company and its partners could not complete procedures to receive the goods on time.

A meeting was held on Monday between Hai Phong Port Authority and Traco 1 Co. Ltd, the owners of the 30,000 tonnes of sulphur stored at Hoang Dieu port, to discuss plans on handling these consignments, Phuong said.

"Leaders of the Traco 1 Co. Ltd said they will try to move the shipment to a safe place as soon as possible. It is likely that the shipment will be relocated by the end of this month," Phuong said.

Before importing and loading these consignments, the port authorities set up fire prevention and environmental protection measures, approved by competent agencies, he said.

VNS